When three-year-old Thea was diagnosed with eye cancer, it was a whirlwind of stress and grief for the whole family.
“We were shocked, terrified and broken” recalls Maree. “Suddenly, instead of playing with our little girl, we were fearing for her life.”
Just ten days after her initial diagnosis, Thea underwent surgery to remove her eye.
The distress of losing an eye was terrifying for Thea and her ongoing treatments are painful and distressing.
But despite her ordeal, Thea LOVES going to the hospital!!
From her very first admission, specially trained Captain Starlights have been by Thea’s side to provide the vital positive distraction and fun she has needed to cope with her illness.
Knowing she’ll get to blow bubbles, sing, dance, and tell silly jokes with the Captains, means Thea is always happy to go along to her appointments!
“I can’t even begin to imagine what our experience would have been like without the Captains… and I don’t want to!” says Maree.
“The Starlight Captains took what could have been a scary and traumatic time and turned it into something fun. Knowing she isn't traumatised by her experience, makes me so incredibly thankful.”
Here's how your donation will help
$39
helps Captain Starlight distract sick kids like Thea with bubbles and games
$78
helps kids like Thea find happiness in hospital by visiting the Starlight Express Room
$117
helps Captain Starlight lessen the trauma of treatment for more sick kids like Thea
The power of your support
Captain Starlight provides vital positive distraction for sick kids and their families, helping them cope with the pain, stress and fear of hospital and treatment.
By turning fear into fun, Captain Starlight transforms the hospital experience for seriously ill children, minimising trauma and creating positive memories.
Your donation will help ensure Captain Starlight is there to:
Provide vital positive distraction to sick kids enduring painful and scary ongoing treatments
Visit children too unwell to leave their beds to deliver fun on the wards
Create happiness, boosting a child’s mood and reducing stress and anxiety
Help make hospital and healthcare a positive experience for sick kids and their families